Device for facilitating the removal of a core from a barrel



' J. c. WRIGHT 2,049,580

DEVICE FOR FACILITATING THE REMOVAL OF A CORE FROM A BARREL Filed May 15, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 /n yen for J. c. WRIGHT Aug. 4, 1936.

DEVICE FOR FACILITATING THE REMOVAL OF A CORE FROM A BARREL Filed May 13, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 VMVIIIAIIII/AWAIIW\\N Patented Aug. 4, 1936 UNITED STATES DEVICE FOR FACILITATING THE REMOVAL OF A CORE FROM A BARREL Jesse C. Wright, Los Angeles, Calif., assignor to Globe Oil Tools Company, Los Nietos, Galif., a corporation of California.

Application May 13, 1933, Serial No. 670,837

2 Claims.

This invention relates to a device for use in connection with a core barrel, and relates more particularly to a device for facilitating the removal of a core from the barrel of a well core drill or core receiving well drilling tool. It is an object of the invention to provide a practical and effective device for facilitating the rapid and safe removal of a core from a core barrel.

It is sometimes difficult to safely and efficiently remove cores from the barrels of single barrel core drills and well drilling bits. The cores obtained in the barrels are often very long so that it is not practical or safe to stand the barrels on end and lift them off of the cores. In one method of removing a core from a core barrel, the barrel is laid in a horizontal position to permit the dis-' connection of the core catcher and bit head and is then raised from its upper end until it assumes a sufficiently inclined position to allow the core to spill or discharge from the lower end of the barrel. This manner of removing the core from a core barrel is slow and laborious, as the loaded barrel is very heavy and difficult to handle, and only comparatively short sections or pieces of the core can freely spill from the lower end of the inclined barrel.

An object of the invention is to provide a device adapted to be attached to a core barrel after it has been withdrawn from the wellthat allows the core to be rapidly and safely removed from the barrel without tilting or inclining the barrel.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for application to a loaded core barrel that is adapted to carry or support the core after the core catcher and bit head have been disconnected from the lower end of the barrel to permit the core catcher and bit head to be quickly and safely removed from below the barrel when the barrel is raised.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device adapted to be attached to the lower end portion of a loaded core barrel that is operable to cut or break off the portion of the core protruding from the barrel and that supports the remaining portion of the core in the barrel to allow the broken off portion of the core to be removed.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned that may act as a brake to control the downward movement of the core in the barrel so that the core may be permitted to slide slowly from the lower end of the barrel until its end strikes the derrick floor or rotary table after which the device is operable to cut or break off the protruding part of the core.

It is another object of the invention to provide a device of the character mentioned that may be easily and quickly attached to and removed from a core barrel.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned that is simple and inexpensive of manufacture and that is easy and convenient to handle and operate.

Other objects and features of the invention will be best and fully understood from the following 5 detailed description of typical forms and applications of the invention, throughout which description reference is had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of one embodiment of the invention showing it arranged in operative position on a core barrel that has just been disconnected from the core catcher supporting the core. Fig. 2 is a side elevation and partial vertical sectional view of the form of the invention illustrated in Fig. 1, illustrating it in operative position on a core barrel, and in gripping engagement with the core. Fig. 3 is a top or plan view of the device illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 4 is a side elevation and partial vertical sectional view of another form oft'he invention showing it in operative position on a core barrel, and Fig. 5 is a top or plan view or the device illustrated in Fig. 4.

The device provided by the present invention may be embodied in forms for use in connection with core barrels or core receiving parts" of drilling tools of various characters and sizes. Throughout the following detailed disclosure I will describe two typical embodiments of the invention employed in connection with a more or less common form of a core receiving well-drilling tool, it being understood that the invention is not to be considered as restricted to the specific forms or applications about to be described, but is to be taken as including any features or modifications that may fall within the scope of the claims.

The core taking or core receiving well drilling tool illustrated in the drawings includes an elongate barrel H] for receiving the core C and provided at its upper end with a connecting member or sub ll. The sub I l is adapted to be connected with the lower end of an operating string of drill pipe, or the like. A sub I2 is provided on the lower end of the barrel l0 and has a downwardly projecting screw threaded pin I3., The sub 12 is of greater diameter than the barrel l0 and its upper end M forms an upwardly facing annular shoulder adjacent thelower end of the barrel. A tubular member I5 is normally screw-threaded on the pin l3 and carries means for catching or retaining the core C in the barrel. In the particular case illustrated in the drawings, the core catching means consists of a plurality of pivoted core gripping and supporting dogs l6 projecting from the interior of the tubular memberv I5. Fig. 1 of the drawings illustrates the dogs IS in supporting engagement with thecore C after the barrel ID has been disconnected from the member IS. A tubular bit head I! is screwthreaded on to the lower end of the member l5. The bit head I! is provided with a plurality of cutting parts or blades 8 operable tomake an annular cut in the earth formation. The particular core receiving well drilling tool illustrated is a single barreled core receiving bit intended to be used in the rotary method of well drilling. The rotary mud or circulation fluid is passed downwardly under pressure through the barrel H) to discharge from the lower end of the tubular bit head H. The circulation fluid flowing down-. wardly through the tool keeps the core C loose and free so that it does not become jammed or caught in the tool. V

The form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive of the drawings includes generally, a ring 20 adapted to be attached to or applied to the barrel l0, and a clamp ring 2| connected with the ring 20 and'adapted to grip the core C.

and to break or cut the projecting lower end portion of the core free from the portion of the core in the barrel.

The ring 23 is provided to carry or suspend the core engaging clamp ring 2| and is adapted to surround the barrel l0 and rest on the upper end l4 of the sub l2. In the form of the invention being described, the ring 20 includes two pivotally or hingedly connected sections 22. The sections 22 are substantially semi-circular and are formed and proportioned so that they may be arranged around the barrel II]. A' hinge pin or pivot pin 23 extends through vertical openings in yoked parts on one section 22 and a tongue on the other section 22 to pivotally connect the sections. Outwardly projecting flanges 24 are provided on the outer or free ends of the sections 22 and a bolt 25 is adapted to be passed through openings in the flanges'24 after the sections 22 have been arranged around the barrel. A nut 26 may be threaded on the bolt 25 to retain or clamp the ring 20 on the barrel I0. The lower end of the ring 20 is preferably fiat to effectively seat on the upper end M of the sub I2. It will be apparent how the ring 20 consisting of the hingedly connected semi-circular sections 22 may be readily arranged around the barrel I0 and clamped in position against the shoulder l4.

The ring 2| which is carried by the ring 20 is operable to support the core C and to cut or break loose the portion of the core that may project from the lower end of the barrel Hi. The ring 2| includes two substantially semi-circular sections 21 pivotally connected by a hinge pin or pivot pin 28. The sections 21 are proportioned so that they are adapted to fit around the core C in the manner illustrated in the drawings. Outwardly projecting flanges 29 are provided on the free or outer ends of the sections 21 and a clamp screw or bolt 30 may be passed through horizontal openings in the flanges 29. A clamp member or nut 3| is adapted to be threaded on the bolt 30 to clamp the sections 21 together on to the core C.

In accordance with the invention, means is provided on the inner sides or interior surfaces of the ring sections 21 for biting into the core C to supportit or break its projecting lower portion away from the main core portion retained in the barrel. 'Wickers or teeth 33 are provided on the inner walls of the sections 21 to engage the core C. In practice, the sets of teeth 33 may be positioned so that they are diametrically opposite when the ring 2| is in position around'the core 0. Sufficient space or clearance is provided between the adjacent ends of the ring sections 21 and flanges 29 so that the nut 3| may be tightened to force the teeth 33 into tight holding engagement with the core and to cut or break the core. Flexible elements 3 3 in the nature of wires, ropes, or cables 36, suspend the ring 2| from the ring 20. The flexible elements 34 are connected with the ring sections 22 and 21 by suitable eyes 35, or the like. The flexible elements 34 are sufliciently long to suspend the core engaging ring 2| in a position below the lower end of the sub'pin l3 when the upper ring 20 is seated on the shoulder l4.

When the well tool has been withdrawn from the well bore it may be suspended in a vertical position in the well derrick and the bit head I! on its lower end may be permitted to rest on or engage the rotary table, derrick floor, or other suitable support. The core catcher sub l5 may then be disconnected from the barrel ID, that is, the pin l3 of the sub |2 may be unthreaded from the socket in the upper end of the core catcher sub l5. The barrel It] may then be raised a comparatively short distance to a position such as illustrated in Fig. 1 and the'ring 20 is arranged around the barrel so that it rests on the shoulder M. The sections 21 of the lower ring 2| may then be arranged around the exposed portion of the core C between the subs l2 and i5 and the teeth 33 of the. lower ring may be forced into the core by tightening the nut 3| on the bolt 38. After the nut 3| has been tightened sufiiciently to insure a proper holding engagement of the teeth 33 with the core C, the barrel Ill, together with the device may beraised. During this raising of the barrel ID, the core is carried by the barrel so that its projecting lower end portion is lifted out of the core catcher sub l5. The core catcher sub l5 and the bit head I! may then be removed from below the lower end of the core barrel Ill and the barrel l0 may be lowered until the lower end of the core C comes into engagement with the derrick floor or support. The nut 3| may then be loosened to allow the teeth 33 to move out of gripping or holding engagement with the core C so that the barrel lfl may be raised without lifting the core. After the barrel ID has been raiseda suitable distance,

the nut ,3| may be again tightened to force the teeth 33 into the core C. The lower ring 2! may be clamped. or tightened so that the teeth 33 cut or break loose the projecting lower end portion of the core. This separated or detached portion of the core may then be removed. The teeth 33 3 after cutting or breaking loose the lower portion of the core C support the remainder of the core in the barrel Ill. The barrel I0 may then be lowered until the lower end of the core comes into engagement with the derrick floor or support so that the teeth 3370f the lower ring 2| may be disengaged from the core C permitting the barrel I0 to be raised so that the operation above described may be repeated. If desired, instead of lowering the barrel Ill the nut 26 may be loosened to allow the core to slowly slide out of the barrel until its lower end engages the floor or rotary table whereupon the protruding portion of the core may be cut or broken loose by the teeth 33. It will be apparent how the entire core C may be easily and quickly removed from the barrel ID by merely raising and lowering the core IO and tightening and loosening the lower ring 2| in the manner described above. The core C may be safely removed from the barrel ID with little or no manual handling of the barrel III and without tilting or inclining the barrel. The ring may be very easily and quickly arranged on and removed from the barrel I0 and the device is easy and convenient to handle.

The form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawings includes, generally, a body or ring 40 adapted to be connected with the lower end of the barrel I0, and means 4| on the ring 40 for supporting the core C and for breaking the lower projecting portion of the core C from the portion of the core in the barrel.

The body or ring 40 is adapted to be removably attached to the sub I2 on the lower end of the barrel ID. The ring 40 consists of two substantially semi-circular sections 42 pivotally connected by a hinge pin or pin 43. Projecting meshing or overlapping parts 44 are provided on the outer or free ends of the sections 42. A removable pin 45 is adapted to be inserted in vertical openings in the overlapping parts 44 to connect the free ends of the ring sections 42. The

4 sections 42 of the body or ring 40 are adapted to be assembled around the pin I3 of the sub I2. A thread 4 5 is provided on the interior of the sections 42 to cooperate with the thread on the pin I3. After the core catcher sub l5 has been disconnected from the sub I2 and the barrel I2 has been raised a short distance, the sections 42 of the ring 40 may be assembled around the core adjacent the threaded pin I3 and the pin 45 may be passed through the openings in the over-lapping parts 44. The ring 40 may then be threaded on to the sub pin I3. The body or ring 40 is proportioned so that it projects downwardly beyond the lower end of the pin I3 when fully threaded on the pin.

The means 4| for supporting the core C and for cutting or breaking the lower portion of the core free from the main body of the core is provided'on the projecting lower portion of the ring 49. The means 4I includes one or more screws 50 on the ring sections 42. In the particular case illustrated in the drawings there is one screw 50 provided on each section 42. The screws 50 are threaded through diametrically opposite radial openings 5| in the ring sections 42. The screws 50 project into the core receiving or passing opening of the ring 40 and their inner ends 52 are pointed so as to bite'or cut into the core C. Suitable handles are provided on the projecting outer ends of the screws 50 to facilitate the easy operation of the screws. In the particular case illustrated in the drawings, T handles 53 are provided on the outer ends of the screws 50.

In employing the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawings, the body 40 is adapted to be arranged around the pin I3 after the core catcher or core catcher sub I5 has been disconnected from the sub I2 and the barrel ID has been raised. With the sections 42 of the ring 40 assembled around the pin I3, the retaining pin 45 may be arranged in the openings in the over-lapping parts 44, and the ring 40 threaded on to the pin I3. The screws 50 may then be threaded inwardly so that their pointed inner ends 52 bite into the core C. When the screws 50 have been threaded sufficiently to have supporting engagement with the core C, the barrel I0 may be raised to disengage the lower portion of the core from the bit head I! and core catcher sub I5. The core catcher sub and bit head may then be removed from below the core barrel and the barrel lowered to allow the lower end of the core to come into engagement with the rotary table or derrick floor. When the barrel I0 is in engagement with the rotary table or derrick floor, the screws 50 may be threaded out of engagement with the core and the barrel raised a suitable distance. As the core C is free in the barrel Ill it remains stationary during the raising of the barrel. The screws 50 may be threaded inwardly to cut or break free the projecting lower end portion of the core which may then be removed. The barrel ID may then be lowered so that the core comes into engagement with the derrick floor and the above described operation may be repeated until the entire core is removed from the barrel. If desired, the screws 50 may be threaded outwardly when the barrel is in a raised position after removal of the projecting portion of the core to allow the core to slide downwardly until its lower end comes into engagement with the derrick floor or rotary table. When the device is used in this manner, the screws 50 may operate as brakes to govern or control the downward movement of the core out of the barrel. The screws 50 may be threaded inwardly to break free the protruding portion of the core which may be then removed and the screws may again be threaded outwardly to permit the downward movement of the core from the barrel. The body or ring 40 may be quickly attached to and removed from the core barrel, and the device is simple and convenient to operate. The device is light in weight, and is compact, and provides for the quick safe removal of the core from the core barrel.

Having described only typical forms and applications of my invention, I do not wish to be limited to the specific forms and applications herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. In combination, the core receiving barrel of a well tool, and a device for facilitating the removal of a core from the barrel including pivotally connected sections adapted to be assembled around the lower portion of the barrel, screws threaded through openings in the sections and having pointed inner ends for gripping a portion of the core projecting from the lower end of the barrel, and manually engageable handles on the outer ends of the screws whereby the screws may be threaded inwardly to grip and support the core or break the core.

2. In combination, the core receiving barrel of a well tool, and a device for facilitating the removal of a core from the barrel including pivotally connected sections adapted to be assembled around the lower portion of the barrel, a thread on the interiors of the sections whereby the sections may be threaded to the barrel, screws threaded through openings in the sections and having pointed inner ends for gripping a portion of the core projecting fromthe lower end of the barrel, and manually engageable handles on the outer ends of the screws whereby the screws may be threaded inwardly to grip and support the core or break the core.

JESSE C. WRIGHT. 

